White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

White Birch (Paper Birch) vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Betula papyrifera

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Locust
White Birch (Paper Birch)

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Black Locust Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch